KATHMANDU: With the advent of modern digital technology, gadgets like mobile phones, tablets, television, and computers have become toys for children. However, excessive use of these devices is beginning to have disastrous consequences on their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

The breakdown of family bonds, the culture of giving digital gadgets to children to shut them up, and parents’ and children’s differing attitudes towards technology use have caused increased conflicts and gaps in families to widen. This trend is negatively affecting the education of children, destroying social relationships, and perhaps causing them to lose their sensitivity and emotional connection with the world.

Addressing this timely issue, the Nepali film “Jhilko” is set to release on 19th Baishakh. As seen in the poster, which was recently released, a school girl is holding a mobile phone tightly, while in the background stands an emotional elderly man. This intense image provides a glimpse into how the film will address generational change, technology addiction, and the resulting household conflicts.

While technology itself is not evil, its uncontrolled and irresponsible usage can destroy the future of the young, marital happiness, and the health of the nation. That important message is conveyed in the movie, which traces the downfall of a young girl into digital addiction, according to director Yadav Kumar Bhattrai.

Awarded for his earlier efforts on the historical and socially significant film “Jhola”, Bhattrai stated that through this film, he wants to make people more conscious and appeal to parents, teachers, policymakers, and society at large to come together to rescue children from the trap of digital addiction.

The film displays an ensemble cast including Ayushi Dhakal, Sunil Pokharel, Barsha Siwakoti, Vishal Pokharel, Bhola Raj Sapkota, Janvi Basnet, Jenish Shrestha, and JB Shrestha. Its cinematographer is Deepak Bajracharya, editor is Nimesh Shrestha, and color and sound mixer is Shyam Kunwar. The sound design is by Uttam Nepali.

The screenplay and story of “Jhilko” are written by Bhattrai together with Arundev Joshi and Dev Brat, and the movie is set to be a deeply touching story that addresses the troubling issue of digital addiction among children.